Episode
True Crime S4 Episode 16: The Murder of Sylvia Likens
- Podcast
- The Housewife Did It
- Published
- May 5, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3510
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
At around 6:30 PM on October 26th, 1965, police entered the home of Gertrude Baniszweski, after she had sent one of her children to call them from a nearby payphone. She led the officers to a makeshift bedroom in her basement, where the emaciated, beaten, and mutilated body of a teenage girl was lying on a soiled mattress. The girl was Sylvia Likens, a 16-year-old girl under Gertrude’s care. Gertrude handed the police a letter Sylvia had written to her parents, detailing her plan to run away, and explained that Sylvia had left with several teenage boys before returning naked from the waist up, and holding this note. She also showed them that she had been attempting, albeit unsuccessfully, to treat Sylvia’s wounds with rubbing alcohol. After showing investigators Sylvia’s body, Gertrude’s daughter, Paula, held tight to her Bible and announced to the room that Sylvia’s death was meant to happen, and that if Sylvia’s sister, Jenny, would like to continue living with them, they would eagerly treat her as their own sister. Police wanted to speak to Jenny, but when they did, they found her answers to be rigid, and almost rehearsed. She repeated almost exactly Gertrude’s version of events, but just as the officers were walking away, Jenny whispered to them, “You get me out of here and I’ll tell you everything.” Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads: @housewifediditpod Check out our website and merch at https://the-housewife-did-it.square.site We have an exciting opportunity for EVRY-one! Use this link to get $$ off your next order on Evry Jewels, or use discount code MARY788 on any orders, including sale items! We have a new partnership to announce. We are now working with Doich Foods- they have gluten free, low sugar, edible/snacking cookie dough. You can get 20% off a…